Latest news with #LuisMalagon
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Denis Bouanga scores in 115th minute to lift LAFC into the FIFA Club World Cup
LAFC's Denis Bouanga celebrates with teammates after scoring late in a 2-1 win over Club América to qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) It was no secret what was at stake in the FIFA Club World Cup play-in — millions of dollars, a potential boon for the future. And with one shot, LAFC cashed in. In a marathon match, Dénis Bouanga scored in the 115th minute to lift LAFC to a 2-1 comeback win over Club América at BMO Stadium on Saturday night, pushing LAFC into the FIFA Club World Cup. Advertisement Bouanga's right-footed shot from outside the box glanced off the left calf of América defender Miguel Vázquez, redirecting the ball into the back of the net and baffling goalkeeper Luis Malagón. LAFC's Nathan Ordaz tries to play the ball against Club América's Erick Sanchez on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) LAFC will receive $9.55 million just for qualifying for the Club World Cup, which begins June 14 and will take place in cities across the United States. The participation payday is the equivalent of nearly half of LAFC's $20 million payroll — a potential boon for a team that could try to land a marquee star in the months ahead. The win over Club América means $1 million to be split among LAFC's 30 players. Advertisement In addition, the 64-team tournament will allow LAFC to raise its profile on the global stage — Premier League blueblood Chelsea is among the teams LAFC will face in group play. The total prize pool for the Club World Cup is more than $1 billion. It took some late-game heroics for LAFC to earn one of its biggest wins in franchise history. Uruguayan winger Brian Rodriguez, who played with LAFC from 2019 to 2022 before being sold to América, scored on a penalty kick in the 64th minute after LAFC's Mark Delgado fouled Erick Sánchez. Rodríguez buried a right-footed shot past the outstretched arms of LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to give América a 1-0 lead. LAFC refused to let victory slip away. Advertisement After putting relentless pressure on the América defense for most of the second half, Igor Jesus scored on a header off a corner kick by Bouanga to tie the score in the 89th minute. Ultimately, Bouanga would prove to be the hero in a game loaded with significance for the players, team and fans. Everyone in BMO Stadium felt the weight of the matchup, with many of the home crowd calling it the biggest game in the club's history. Bigger than any MLS Cup championship or CONCACAF Champions League final. The gravity of the moment was unmistakable — the consequences of a loss, and the eventual magnitude of a win. 'It's a $10-million payday, so it's like a final,' LAFC fan Brett Sullivan said. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🎥 Leagues Cup reveal nominees for best save, assist, goal and celebration
The Leagues Cup brought fans plenty of drama in 2024, and it's time to relive all the best moments. Here are the nominees for the year's best save, assist, goal and celebration. It's Awards Season 🤩Time to vote for your #LeaguesCup2024 favorites 🤩First in the list 🥁#BestSaves — Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) February 26, 2025 Goalkeepers often don't get enough credit for their heroics, but here are four names who stood out between the sticks. The nominees include Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC), Luis Malagon (Club América), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids) and Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul). Duelo de Mateos, de asistencia de un portero, de #ClásicoTapatío, de rematch de la final de #LeaguesCup2024... 🤯With you, the #BestAssist nominees 🫶⚽️ — Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) February 27, 2025 Scorers have their names on the scoresheet, but the players who help create chances out of nothing pull a lot of weight on the pitch. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (LAFC), defender Mateo Chávez (Chivas), midfielder Mateo Garcia (Atlas) and midfielder Mo Farsi (Columbus Crew) are all up for best assist of 2024. And last but not least, our #BestGoal nominees ⚽️😎This is art 🖌️ — Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) February 27, 2025 As perhaps the most significant honour up for grabs, here are the best goals from the 2024 Leagues Cup. Alan Medina (Club Leon), Matias Rojas (Inter Miami), Nelson Palacio (Real Salt Lake) and Paulinho (Toluca) all made the list. Nothing like the emotion after scoring a golazo ⚽️Y estas celebraciones llevaron el momento en #LeaguesCup2024 al siguiente nivel 🤩 — Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) February 27, 2025 And a nice surprise addition sees the Leagues Cup also send a nod to some of the best celebrations. Avilés Hurtado (FC Juarez), Diego Fagúndez (LA Galaxy), Juan Pablo Vigón (Club Tigres) and Sergio Santos (FC Cincinnati) all pulled out the moves on the pitch. Who should be the winner for each award? Let us know in the comments below. Feature image credit: © John Hefti-Imagn Images
